Banned cancer-causing chemicals detected in household products such as clothing, toys and headphones

Researchers found that the cancer-causing chemicals were present in more than 85% of the products used in their studies, including headphones, plastic toys, and clothing.

Their findings reveal that chlorinated paraffins, a carcinogen that was banned in Canada a decade ago, is still present in a wide range of everyday products.

"We need to protect our children and the wider public from these harmful substances," said co-author Hui Ping, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Toronto.

Experts note that SCCPs cause cancer in laboratory mice, specifically targeting the liver, thyroid gland and kidneys.

Although there are no studies in humans, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies them as probable carcinogens for humans. They also accumulate in our bodies, food webs, and environment.

There are three classifications of short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP), medium chain (MCCP) and long chain chlorinated paraffins (LCCP).

In 2012, the Government of Canada determined that “all chlorinated paraffins are harmful to human health” and banned their manufacture, new use and import.

In 2017, SCCPs were listed among the substances that must be disposed of under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

However, its total global production is huge - more than 1 million tons per year - and growing.

These toxic chemicals are used in everyday products as flame retardants, plasticizers and lubricants. Until now, many of its specific uses in products were not known to scientists and the public.

In the study, published in the journal Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, researchers tested 96 products, including electronic devices, clothing, plastic toys, personal care products and interior paints, and found that 84 contained chlorinated paraffin.

The highest concentrations of CPs in this study were detected in headphones and computer wires. The next highest concentrations came in children's toys and their packaging.

These uses can lead to human exposure through direct hand contact, by young children throwing products into their mouths, and through contaminated dust that makes its way from hands to mouths.

Because the tested products were largely manufactured for the international market, it is also likely that CPs will be found in similar products in the United States, Europe, and beyond.

"Chlorinated paraffins are extremely harmful and pervasive in everyday products," said co-author Arlene Bloom, executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. "Many of their uses are unnecessary and should be stopped immediately for the healthiest people and ecosystems."